ATHLETICS / MSSM CHAMPIONSHIPS: Saranraj Scores In 5,000m

S. SARANRAJ had to be calmed down after he agitated for a fight the moment he crossed the finish line to win the Malaysian Schools Athletic Championships boys' open 5,000m gold medal in Kangar yesterday.

S. Saranraj

   The Bukit Jalil Sports School Fifth Former was clearly unhappy with silver medallist J. Kaviarasan of Perak for what he believed to be a push during the 12-and-a-half lap race.

After being taken away by his coach to cool off, Pahang's Saranraj declined to say much about the incident at the Utama Stadium.

"There was some pushing in the race. It's normal," he said later with a smile back on his face.

"I'm very happy to have won. It's the first time I won the 5,000m.


"Before my wins were in the 1,500 and the steeplechase. Now I'll be going for a double when I run the steeplechase."

The incident provided a bit of drama on a dull morning when no records were broken.

The 5,000m gold medal was Saranraj's third in the series, having won the 1,500m under-15 gold in 2010 before following it up with the 3,000m steeplechase gold last year.

Saranraj took the initiative in cool and overcast conditions by pacing the race early on before winning in 16:13.74s which was nine seconds ahead of Kaviarasan but way off the meet record of 15:39.20.

"The weather was very nice, unlike the day before and that's why I decided to maintain a fast pace early.

"I was going for the record and I'm not very happy with the time," said Saranraj, who on Wednesday took silver in the 1,500m.

Read more: ATHLETICS / MSSM CHAMPIONSHIPS: Saranraj scores in 5,000m - Other - New Straits Times http://www.nst.com.my/sports/other/athletics-mssm-championships-saranraj-scores-in-5-000m-1.87610#ixzz1vqkXv7IZ